Making Memories: Tips from a Pro Photographer on Taking, Printing and Preserving Cherished Family Photos

It’s true what they say: “the days are long, but the years are short.” Time can be a thief when it comes to freezing moments in time with family, specifically with children. They seem to grow up in the blink of an eye. One day they’re taking their first steps, and the next they’re starting their first day of school. Erin Brooke Burns, an award-winning photographer, is here to share her tips for photographing and preserving your family memories. Learn how to capture real moments with your kids and discover timeless ways to display and cherish those precious memories.

Get Priceless Results Even Without a Pricey Camera

Great photos are about real moments. Period. Yes, a perfectly composed shot with great lighting is a nice bonus, but when it comes to emotions, real moments bring it home. So you don’t need to spend a pretty penny on a big, fancy camera if isn’t not in your budget. A point-and-shoot or even your smartphone does a great job. What’s even better about those is that people tend not to freeze and fall into a rehearsed pose like they do when you raise a large SLR. Without a bulky camera to lug around, look for the “in between moments;” the moments in-between the rehearsed smile and pose, where the real emotions are. With children, these in-between moments come by relatively often, so just have your camera at the ready and bask in the hilarity of kids being kids. As an added bonus to using your smartphone, you have a plethora of apps to choose from to take your photos to the next level – just don’t overdo it on filters; less is more. You can also download the London Drugs Photolab App (available on iOS and Android) to easily order prints, enlargements and even create a Photo Book right from your phone or tablet.

Swing for the Fences

Digital photography has allowed us to make more mistakes, and in return, more wins. As a professional photographer, I might take 200+ photos to use and publish only one. That single shot that I choose will have the emotion that we talked about earlier, something none of the other 199 photos have. So swing for the fences, and take a bunch of photos to get that one fantastic shot. Digital files are cheap, so take advantage, practice, play around and get the shot. You can always delete the others later on. If you’re using your smartphone, take advantage of Burst Mode from time to time. Each phone differs, but generally it’s a sequence of photos taken at a rate of around ten frames per second by holding your finger on the shutter button.

Change Your Perspective

Have fun! This sounds obvious, but as adults, we fall into our go-to poses and smiles. When photographing your kids, we get into trouble if we expect them to behave like adults, so get down to their level and explore the world as they do. It will change what you see in your viewfinder. A different angle or perspective can change a photo dramatically, and getting down allows you to see angles you might otherwise miss. Catch your kiddos doing the things they love and you’ll have all kinds of success. Catch them on the swings, in the sandbox or even just colouring – candid photos have a beautiful reminiscent quality about them that can cause the viewer to stop and pause. So have fun with your camera and your kids. It’s a win-win.

Photographing Babies

Even the most seasoned of amateur photographers can find it a challenge to photograph babies. So, if ‘newborn in a basket’ photos are what you’re looking for, then I would recommend hiring a professional; it’s worth the investment. But when it comes to the average parent, here are some guidelines that will help you take a great snap:

  1. Keep your baby happy by photographing them on a full tummy.
  2. Dress your baby in comfortable clothes, or if you choose to photograph your baby in their birthday suit, keep a space heater nearby to keep them warm.
  3. Choose a spot in the house with a large window; preferably a north-facing window to get a large, natural, indirect light source.
  4. Always keep your baby’s safety at top of mind.
  5. As your baby grows, think about doing monthly photos to document your baby’s growth. It’s a good idea to keep the background consistent to emphasize their growth.

From Digital to Print

Photolab lifestyle

Don’t fall into the trap of taking fantastic photos and leaving them on your camera or phone like so many of us do. We end up taking thousands of photos without a feasible way to control the mess. Digital photos can be lost just as easy as they are taken so it’s wise to choose one of the many options to cherish and display them before things get out of control. In my home, we don’t have a ton of photos on our walls, but we love a good Photo Book. The reason we love the Photo Books is 2-fold. First, you can add as many photos as you like, and second, you can create an entire book of a single event: like a family vacation, or baby’s first year. We find the books offer great flexibility and the kids adore looking through them, especially the older books – it’s like a collection of visual encyclopedias of the family. There are so many different Photo Books available – you’ll find one that is perfect for your needs.

If Photo Books aren’t your thing, I’m really loving the Wall Clings. Wall Clings are adhesive matte paper prints that can be removed and replaced many times. I mentioned we don’t have a lot of photos that adorn our walls, but that’s not entirely true. We love these for our kids’ rooms. It allows them to choose how they create their own ‘gallery walls’ without creating damage to our home. They’re able to move them around how they like, and get creative without any frames, hammers or nails. There are dozens of ways to use the Wall Clings, long term or short term, like incorporating them into a birthday celebration. These are the perfect option for people who want to switch up their photos often or simply can’t commit to one image.

However you choose to cherish your memories, make sure you download the London Drugs Photolab App from the App Store or Google Play to get full access to everything from enlargements, Canvas Gallery Prints, and Calendars to Photo Books right from your phone or tablet. You can also hop onto their website to order online, or visit any London Drugs Photolab in-store.

Meet Erin

Erin Brooke Burns is an award-winning photographer and graphic designer based in Calgary, Alberta. You can follow Erin and see her latest works with Erin Brooke Photography & Design on Instagram: @erinbrookeburns.

5 Ways to Show Dad You Love Him This Father’s Day

Dads of all kinds have been there for us, from our first bike ride without training wheels to when they shed a tear at our high school graduation. After all the birthdays, soccer practices, and comforting hugs, we’re all grown up—but our dads get to still play a huge part in our lives, especially as we have kids of our own.

How to Show Dad You Love Him

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#PicturePerfectMom Mother’s Day Giveaway

This Mother’s Day, the London Drugs Photolab is giving you a chance to surprise your mom with a beautiful print of your favourite family photo! Participate in our #PicturePerfectMom contest and you could win a 16×20 canvas gallery wrap with frame that would make the perfect Mother’s Day gift!

To enter for a chance to win:

  1. Follow @LDPhotolab on Instagram or Twitter
  2. Leave a comment on one of our giveaway posts on Instagram or Twitter, telling us why your mom is amazing!
  3. Bonus entries: Post a photo with mom, along with the hashtag #PicturePerfectMom, on Instagram or Twitter.

Comment entries are limited to 1 entry per social network, however bonus entries are limited to 5 entries per social network, so share away to increase your chances of winning! The contest begins on April 24th and will end on May 5th. Winners will be announced the following day.

Can’t wait to surprise mom this year? Participate in the contest and you could be gifting her a beautiful 16×20 canvas gallery wrap with a family photo that she can cherish forever!

Don’t forget to check out our Mother’s Day photography tips to help inspire you to capture the perfect shot, and if you’re looking for a great location to snap those pictures, check out our blog highlighting the best spots across Canada.

 

Terms and Conditions

  1. No purchase necessary. Limit one (1) comment entry per social network per contest. Limit five (5) bonus entries per social network per contest. Limit one (1) prize may be won per household. Entries must be received no later than 11:59 pm Pacific Time on May 5th, 2019. London Drugs is not responsible for entries that become lost or misdirected.
  2. Contest is open to all residents of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba who, as of the date the prize draw is made: (i) have not won a London Drugs contest since May 5, 2018; (ii) have reached the age of majority in the province in which they reside as at May 5, 2019 (iii) are not employees of London Drugs, their respective advertising and promotional agencies, the independent judging organization (if any), or any family member living with any such employee.
  3. The winner will be randomly chosen by a judge on the day after the contest ends (see dates below) in Vancouver, British Columbia, from all eligible entries received per contest. To win, selected entrants must have correctly answered the skill-testing mathematical question on the entry form and must sign London Drug’s declaration and release confirming compliance with the contest rules and acceptance of the prize(s) as awarded, releasing London Drugs from liability in association with the contest and prize and consenting to the use of their name, photograph, voice and statements for promotional and publicity purposes.
  4. There will be 1 (one) prize awarded: the winner will receive one 16×20 canvas gallery wrap with frame worth approximately $139.98. Prize(s) must be accepted as awarded, are non-transferable and no substitutions are permitted. London Drugs reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value should any prize become unavailable for any reason. Prize will be awarded at the closest London Drugs location to the winner. Contests dates: April 24, 2019 – May 5, 2019. Draw Date: 12:00 PM Pacific Time May 6, 2019.
  5. Selected entrants will be contacted by email, or social network they were drawn from. No correspondence will be entered into except with selected entrants. If the winner does not respond then she/he will be notified for the second time, 2 (two) days after the first notification. If the winner still does not respond within 2 days of the second notification, a new winner will be chosen in the same manner until a winner is successfully contacted.
  6. The chances of winning a prize will depend on the number of eligible entries received. Decisions of the judges in respect of all aspects of this contest including, but not limited to, eligibility of entries and correctness of answers given to the skill-testing question, are final.
  7. London Drugs, their respective advertising and promotional agencies, the independent judging organization, and their respective agents are not liable to an entrant in any manner relating to the contest or the awarding and use of the prize(s).
  8. This contest is subject to all federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations. By entering the entrant consents to the collection of all personal information included on their entry and agrees to the use and disclosure of such information by and between London Drugs and their agents. The winner(s) also agrees to the collection, use and disclosure of their name, entry, photographs, voice and statements for London Drugs’ publicity purposes without further compensation. All personal information collected from entrants will be used only for the purposes of administering the contest and for marketing and promotional purposes as contemplated by these rules; under no circumstances will any personal information be sold or rented to third parties. All personal information collected by London Drugs will be kept in accordance with the privacy policy of London Drugs, which can be viewed at londondrugs.com, and in accordance with all applicable privacy laws.
  9. The right is reserved by London Drugs to terminate this contest, in whole or in part, and/or modify, amend or suspend the contest, and/or these rules in any way, should any cause beyond the reasonable control of London Drugs or its agents affect the proper administration thereof.

 

LDPhotolab Prints Fine Art for Photographer Paolo Rubini’s Capture Photography Festival Exhibit ‘Hands On’

Photolab Manager Adonia (left) and photographer Paolo Rubini (right) showing one of Paolo’s prints currently part of his Capture Photography exhibition at VIFF Vancity Theatre

Originally from Italy, photographer Paolo Rubini has travelled the world capturing a wide array of cultures and the hidden beauty of everyday life. He now calls Vancouver home, and his project ‘Hands On: A Handcrafted Human Mosaic’, which features images from 15 different countries, was recently selected by Capture Photography Festival for exhibition during the 2019 season.

“Hands On came to me as a project idea while travelling in India. It struck me as an original and potential-full opportunity to try and analyze our human condition across different countries and latitudes, by using an aspect of our body we all have in common as a common ground,” explains Paolo.

As a supporter of Capture Photography Festival since its inception 6 years ago, the London Drugs Photolab has provided gallery quality prints for selected photographers like Paolo to showcase their lens-based art during  the annual photography exhibition. Our Photolab Technicians work one-on-one with the selected photographers to choose the right print surface for their images, adjust the colours and other elements to the photographer’s specifications, and ensure the final product meets the high standards of gallery quality prints.

Building a trusting relationship between photographer and Photolab Technician is an incredibly important part of the printing process. When Paolo first met with LDPhotolab Manager Adonia, he was looking to have his black and white images printed on a metallic surface. After looking over Paolo’s images however, Adonia suggested Paolo might like to try a more matte and textured print surface, such as linen paper. Surfaces like linen or bamboo paper look particularly excellent with black and white images, and Adonia recognized the linen paper would also work well with the fact that the prints would be backlit with natural light in the exhibit space. After testing both metallic and matte surfaces, Paolo made the final call to print on linen paper!

Photolab Manager Adonia and photographer Paolo Rubini discussing the texture of linen prints.

“Black and white convey a certain poetry and timeless feeling, furthermore it helps the viewer focusing more on the composition of the image, its narrative and the texture of the elements on focus. Color sometimes can be distracting and misleading, especially in a concept series like this one,” says Paolo. “I usually go for a glossy reflecting surface, mostly in colour but also black and white. My go to paper would be the photo-metallic paper because it gives more depth to the colours. This time, considering the texture I wanted to enhance and the light coming from the back of the picture I opted for a thicker and more textured paper: the LDPhotolab’s Linen White. It proved to be the right choice for this show.”

Once the final decision on print surface was made, Paolo was able to provide feedback on tweaking the colouring of the images (in this case, the warmness or coolness of the black and white, the darkness of the blacks and the brightness of the whites).

“Working with Adonia and her Granville location photolab team was particularly inspiring because of their expertise and wealth of knowledge in understanding and accommodating my vision and their outstanding customer service. They went above and beyond with me, making my show almost like it was their own,” says Paolo.

After the collaborative process of tweaking the images was complete, our photolab printed all of Paolo’s images for the exhibit using the state-of-the art Epson 9000 large format printer. Photolab Manager Adonia then met with Paolo one last time for a final inspection of the fine art prints. Paolo looked over each image individually to confirm they were ready for display, even asking for some final feedback from our Photolab Manager Adonia on what part of each image drew her eye, to ensure it was achieving the desired effect.

“It has been such a pleasure working with amazing photographers like Paolo, and so rewarding bringing their artwork to life,” says Adonia. “The journey from initially meeting and viewing photos, to producing the physical prints in such an impactful way is one of the best parts of being a photolab technician.”

Of course, seeing the fine art prints on display is always a thrilling part of the process for Paolo. “After the set up and the opening, I was very happy to take a step back and look at all their picture displayed together. Each of them was carrying its little story, informing and inspiring others. It is a collection of humanity that I’m very proud to share because it talks about us and what makes us all similar and yet each unique,” he says.

Paolo Rubini in front of his Capture Photography Festival exhibit ‘Hands On’, at the VIFF Vancity Theatre in Vancouver

If you want to check out Paolo Rubini’s prints in person, you can see them at VIFF Vancity Theatre in Vancouver from April 14th to May 5th, Monday to Sunday, 6pm onwards (and when films are being shown).

London Drugs Photolab Honoured to Print National Pictures of the Year

News Photographers Association of Canada’s Capture Photography Festival exhibit printed with the help of LDPhotolab’s expertise and state-of-the-art printing equipment

Images on left wall by photographers Jonathan Hayward (top left), Jeff McIntosh (bottom left), Martin Tremblay (centre), Carlos Osorio (top left), Leah Hennel (bottom right).

Every year, the very best Canadian photojournalists are nominated for the National Pictures of the Year Awards, organized by the News Photographers Association of Canada (NPAC). Each of the prestigious nominated photos are then showcased during a Capture Photography Festival exhibition…with a little help from our London Drugs Photolab!

This year, our Photolab Technician Adonia worked with NPAC’s coordinator Ali Ledgerwood to print each of the nominated photos for the exhibit. The photos were printed using our photolab’s state-of-the-art Epson 9000 large format printer, on fine art paper with patented dye inks that deliver the very best in colour and definition.

An image by Canadian photographer Darryl Dyck being printed on the Epson 9000

Each image was then inspected by hand, and adjustments were made to get the colours of each image just right. The vibrant image coming off the Epson printer here is of 89-year old Canadian Blood Services volunteer, Nina Graham, taken by nominated Canadian photographer Darryl Dyck. Seeing it, you just can’t help but smile!

Photolab Manager Adonia stands with News Photographers Association of Canada coordinator Ali Ledgerwood. Image on print by photographer Darryl Dyck

This is the 6th year the London Drugs Photolab has prepared the prints for the National Pictures of the Year exhibit.

“Working with Adonia at the LDPhotolab has been amazing.  The quality of the prints and the professionalism with the team is unprecedented.  We have the largest show as far as Capture goes, and I never have to worry about timing or the amount of work printed in such a tight timeframe.  Always accommodating and always first class,” says Ali Ledgerwood.

Fine art print of an image by photographer Darryl Dyck

From photolab to the gallery wall; it’s always a thrill to see the final prints on display! Here, you can see Darryl Dyck’s colourful shot showcased at the opening of NPAC’s National Pictures of the Year exhibit, during Capture Photography Festival at the Pendulum Gallery in Vancouver.

“Photographers use their cameras as tools of exploration, documentation and ultimately, as instruments of change.  This is a testament to the ideal that photojournalism matters—now more than ever,” Ali says. “When I walk through and I see school groups completely engaged with the photos and related stories, it’s hard not to get emotional.  We are so honoured that we are able to produce an exhibit like this and we certainly couldn’t do it without the support of the LDPhotolab.”

Photographer Chris Donovan standing beside two of his photos nominated for National Picture of the Year

Chris Donovan was one of the nominated Canadian photographers who attended the opening of the Capture Photography Festival exhibit for the National Pictures of the Year. Chris’ photos are nominated in multiple categories, including the Sports Feature Category for two images he took in Flint Michigan with ESPN. Chris was also named last year’s Photojournalist of the Year!

“It’s always a great feeling to see your work printed whether it’s in a newspaper or on a gallery wall. To have this work in such a visible place alongside some of Canada’s finest photojournalists is an honour. The prints look stunning and I’m truly grateful to London Drugs for helping support Canadian photojournalism over the years,” says Chris.

Images by photographers Cold Burston (top left), Kayle Neis (bottom left), Chris Donovan (centre & top right), Pieter de Vos (bottom right)

Feeling inspired by these talented Canadian photographers? We can print your photos in gallery quality too! Choose from our photolab’s wide variety of fine art prints, such as the enlargements printed on Epson Lustre Paper used for this exhibition, or other surfaces like bamboo paper, metallic paper, aluminum metal panels, canvas prints and canvas gallery wraps. The choice is yours!

Best Locations Across Canada for Mother’s Day Photos

Planning a mini photo session for Mother’s Day? From picturesque beach-side spots to locations full of colourful spring blooms, here’s our list of the best places across Canada to snap those adorable moments between mother and child for Mother’s Day! Our #LDExperts are also sharing a few tips to keep in mind while shooting, check it out in our Mother’s Day photography tips blog.

Experimental Farm, Ottawa

Located just a few kilometres from downtown Ottawa, the Central Experimental Farm has enchanted visitors for more than a century. From the Ornamental Gardens to the Tropical Greenhouse, this place offers a multitude of options for some great photos of mom and the family.

Pacific Spirit Park, Vancouver

Located on the west side of the city of Vancouver, the Pacific Spirit Regional Park offers more than 750 hectares of forest. With its convenient location, its perfect for a day out in the wild, especially if you’re photographing moms with kids that love to explore.

Robert’s Creek, Sunshine Coast

Looking for a spot that offers a perfect blend of beaches & forest? Roberts Creek is just the place! The B&K trail offers a beautiful landscape for some fun candid shots. When the tide is low there is a nice sandy area for kids to play and go for a swim as well.

Sunflower Gardens, Sturgeon County

Located north of Edmonton, Sunflower Gardens is ideal for a photoshoot among the sunflowers, raspberries, strawberries or saskatoon berries – depending on which time of year you go. If you plan to use this location though, you’ll likely need to shoot in late spring or summer and save those photos to share with mom next Mother’s Day. But it will be worth the wait once she sees those sweet photos in print!

Wildwood Conservation Area, Stratford

Best described as a 3,500-acre outdoor playground, Wildwood Conservation Area is located just minutes west of Stratford. With a lake, 20 kilometers of hiking trails and a large day use area, you definitely won’t run short of fun and creative spots to capture the perfect Mother’s Day shot!

Echo Valley Provincial Park, Saskatchewan

Situated in the legendary Qu’Appelle Valley between Echo and Pasqua Lakes, Echo Valley Provincial Park offers a wide variety of scenic surroundings. With two beaches, access to two lakes, lush lawns and a playground, there are tons of options for a picturesque photoshoot with mom.

Blind Bay, Shuswap

Blind Bay’s beaches are two of the most popular beaches on Shuswap Lake near Kamloops and are perfect for a Mother’s Day mini session. For the more adventurous mom, Scotch Creek in Shuswap also offers the Shuswap Trout Scout which the kids will absolutely love!

Sullivan Heights, Surrey

Looking for a spot that offer those dreamy spring blooms for your Mother’s Day photoshoot? Sullivan Heights in Surrey has loads of great options! With many small parks that bloom with cherry blossoms, it offers the perfect mix of beauty and convenience.

 

Once you’re done capturing and editing your shots, check out our Photolab’s wide variety of printing options, from prints and enlargements to canvas gallery wraps and even cute customizable novelties like keychains, ornaments, crystals and puzzles. For easy access download our London Drugs Photolab App which is available for iOS and Android, or you can simply order online. If you’re looking for help with what prints would work best for your photographs, just visit your nearest London Drugs store and speak to one of our LDExperts in the Photolab!

You could also participate in our #PicturePerfectMom contest for a chance to be the lucky winner of a 16×20 canvas gallery wrap with frame! Wouldn’t it make a great gift for mom this Mother’s Day?

Why You Should Digitize Your Old Photos and Memories

Why You Should Digitize Old Photos

If you were born in a certain era, you likely remember the days when snapping a photo meant pulling out your camera and winding the film along manually before taking the shot. You had no idea how the photo would turn out until days or weeks later when you finally finished the roll of film and dropped it off for processing at your local photo developing lab.

If you remember that, then you likely have a shoebox at the back of a closet full of old photos; pics of your first day of kindergarten, or your child’s birth, or your parents’ wedding day – precious memories collected over the years that you want to preserve.

Why You Should Digitize Old Photos

There are several reasons why you should consider digitizing that irreplaceable box of photos.

  1. Natural disasters: In the event of a natural disaster like a fire or flood, you won’t have time to rummage through your closets looking for that box of photos to save. It’ll be much easier to grab a USB key.
  2. Wear and tear: Over time, photos don’t hold up. The corners get bent, they can tear, and the colours fade.
  3. Shareability: Once you have your photos digitized, you can share them with other family members and they can share theirs with you.
  4. Ease of storing and organizing: They’re easier to organize and catalogue when they’re digitized. And no more bulky photo albums taking up valuable storage space.
  5. Photo books: With your digital photos you can create photo books, which make amazing gifts for family and friends.

You can digitize your photos yourself (DIY) or you can use a service that takes care of it for you.

Digitizing DIY

Depending on how many photos you have to digitize, you’ll need a good scanner for the job. You may choose to use a flatbed scanner to manually scan your photos, or a photo scanner like this high-speed scanner or this smaller one. It may feel like a laborious task, but look at it as a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Using a Photo Service

Our Photo Box Service takes the time-consuming manual labour out of the scanning process. You simply pick up a Photo Scanning Box from your closest London Drugs store, fill it with up to 800 photographs, and take it to one of our Photolabs. Then, we’ll do the scanning work for you and, within a week, you’ll receive a USB drive with all your scanned photos. You still get to sort through old photos and decide which ones to keep, but the bulk of the work is done for you.

However you decide to digitize your photos, it’s worthwhile to ensure your family’s history is preserved for generations to come.

Check out our full selection of scanners, or learn more about our Photo Box Service.

 

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